Surely we should be logical in our approach to our samples, after all we are
scientists.
ALL blood and other fluid samples are potentially Category III material
until proven otherwise, and our laboratory environment and ALL our specimens
should be treated as such. To redefine 'zones' of the laboratory as Category
III is not possible, and implies a diminished understanding of the
terminology. The environmental and building alterations necessary for such
are not possible, certainly not within NHS budgets. To pretend to do so by
mere statement is approaching amusing.
We do not nor can not know the TB/HIV/Hepatitis status of a sample until it
has been analysed, and while acknowledging that we should be especially
careful with 'known' samples, have we not all received notification late, if
not at all, regarding such risks, and as such have handled, analysed and
discarded such samples outwith the 'acceptable' process control ?
We must accept that we work in a high-risk environment all the time and any
attempt to reduce the risk by a process of words is bound to make the risk
worse!
With best wishes
Richard
-----Original Message-----
From: Taylor, Andrew [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2002 08:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Pleural fluid analysis - High Risk?
Our microbiologist has similar views. However, the regional PHLS lab which
provide our micro service cannot measure protein in their cat iii lab. Our
compromise: if the clinician is able to say 'minimal risk of TB' and has NOT
sent the PF sample for AFB, we do it without additional precautions.
A
-----Original Message-----
From: Malcolm Stewardson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 16 May 2002 19:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Pleural fluid analysis - High Risk?
Historically we have assayed pleural aspirate for protein and glucose along
with our routine workload on a Vitros analyser. Perhaps naively, we have
not considered that pleural fluid should be particularly treated as high
risk. However, recently it has been brought to my attention that the high
risk of TB means that all work on pleural fluid should be carried out
under Cat III conditions.
We normally run high risk samples through the Vitros at specific times of
the day having declared the area a Cat III zone. However, the Consultant
Microbiologist says that we should not analyse pleural fluid in the open
lab.
Has anyone got a view on this problem, and/or would anyone like to pass on
advice on the safe assay of pleural fluid.
Malcolm Stewardson
Laboratory Manager
Dept of Clinical Biochemistry
Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals
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